Get The Best Deals This Black Friday

Black Friday is a great day to get good deals and begin shopping for Christmas, but most of us are overstuffed with turkey and unable to take full advantage of Black Friday’s deals. Below are some ideas to help you get the best bargains.

Plan Early

Black Friday ads usually come out Thanksgiving Day, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until then to start planning. Head online and look for sneak peeks at this year’s ads. Then, write out a list of your must-have items. While you’re checking out the Black Friday sites, also be sure to sign up for e-updates. This will ensure that you receive notification when new store ads or coupons are added to the site.

Once you have your shopping list, it’s time to start planning your attack. Head to the store to peek at the items that your interested in. Check the quality of the items, look at the product features, and compare each item to similar models to be sure that you’ll really be getting a bargain if you decide to buy.

Also make a note of the location of each item, and jot down how many the store currently has in stock – this will help you to decide where you need to head first.

Compare Prices

Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean it’s a great deal. Use a price comparison website to compare prices at competing retailers before you buy.

Investigate Price Matching and Return/Re-buy Policies

Some store will match a competitor’s price on an identical item. Others will allow you to buy merchandise in advance of the sale, and to then return and re-buy the items on Black Friday. Check with stores ahead of time to learn their policies. Then, plan your shopping strategy accordingly.

Only Shop the Deals

Focus your energy on shopping for the bargains, and leave the rest of your Christmas shopping for another day.

Check Online for Coupons

Before you head to the stores, be sure to check online for printable coupons that can be used in store. Some retailers add coupons to their website as late as Thanksgiving Day, so it’s worth a last-minute check before you head out the door. Another great strategy: Sign up to receive e-mail newsletters from all of the stores that you plan to shop at. Newsletter subscribers frequently receive extra savings.

Use the Right Credit Card

Certain credit cards offer valuable free benefits. For example, don’t be pressured into buying a service contract when you can get up to an extra year of warranty coverage free just by using most gold or platinum credit cards. Ask your credit card issuer what length warranties qualify for an extra year of coverage, if any. Some credit cards also offer a return protection guarantee (they will refund the purchase price within 90 days if the store will not), or a sale price guarantee (they will give you back the difference if an item goes on sale within 60 days of purchase).

Shop Online

Want to avoid the crowds? Then, shop online. Many stores offer the same Black Friday specials on their website, and will throw in free shipping – a real bonus. Sometimes placed items in your online cart ahead of time will get you a head start. on purchasing them once the deals take affect. Other deals to look for: free in-store pick up, online-only deals and an early start to the sales – Black Friday sales frequently kick off online at midnight on Thanksgiving, while most in-store sales start at 5 a.m. the next day.

Re-evaluate Your Purchases

Getting swept up in the excitement of Black Friday can often lead to impulse buys and overspending. Let that bargain shopping buzz wear off; then, return any items that you don’t feel great about.

For these and other Black Friday shopping tips, visits the sites listed below:

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